MB Refinery: Chairman Unveils 30,000bpd Modular Refinery Project in Delta

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MB Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, and owner of BOB & SIL Global Services Limited, Akuyoma Orighomisan Bobson, has unveiled plans for the development of a 30,000-barrels-per-day modular refinery at Ajagbodudu in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Bobson disclosed this during an inspection of the refinery project site by the Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Chief Peter Uviejitobor, following an earlier presentation of the project to the state government.

He explained that the refinery was designed to be developed in phases, with the initial 30,000-barrels-per-day capacity expected to position the facility as an important player in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
According to him, the project is being developed with a long-term vision that goes beyond crude oil refining to include petrochemical production and other related industrial activities.

Bobson said the strategic location of the project along the River Ethiope, reputed to be the deepest river in West Africa, was deliberately chosen to facilitate the transportation of heavy equipment, movement of petroleum products and future expansion of the facility.

He noted that the River Ethiope corridor and the large expanse of land secured by the company would provide significant logistical advantages for the movement of equipment, evacuation of refined products and development of additional industrial facilities.

The MB Refinery chairman said the project was expected to attract investment, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities in Warri North and Delta State when fully operational.
He added that equipment expected from overseas would further accelerate the construction process and move the project closer to its production target.

Bobson also called for greater collaboration with investors, strategic partners and relevant stakeholders to strengthen the financial capacity of the project and ensure its timely completion.
He said public-private partnerships and other financing arrangements would be explored to support the project and facilitate the commencement of production.

Speaking during the inspection, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Chief Peter Uviejitobor, linked the MB Refinery project to the recent economic summit organised by the Delta State Government, saying the initiative was part of the state’s broader effort to attract investments and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

Uviejitobor said the economic summit was designed to open new opportunities for investors, strengthen partnerships between government and the private sector and position Delta State as a preferred destination for industrial and economic development.

He said investments such as the MB Refinery demonstrated that the state government’s efforts to provide a favourable business environment were beginning to yield results, stressing that Delta was determined to create the conditions necessary for industries to flourish.

According to him, the government’s vision was to make Delta State a global destination for industrialisation, with strategic investments contributing to job creation, economic diversification and sustainable development.

Uviejitobor said the inspection was undertaken to enable government officials to physically assess the progress of the project and prepare a comprehensive report for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He disclosed that substantial work had been completed, including the development of the basement, foundation and designated areas for the installation of storage tanks for petroleum products.

The Commissioner said the refinery’s location along the River Ethiope provided significant logistical advantages for the transportation of equipment and evacuation or exportation of refined petroleum products.

He described the project as an investment with the potential to develop into a major industrial hub and contribute significantly to Delta State’s industrial and economic development.

Uviejitobor further stated that the refinery could grow into a major facility capable of competing with some of Nigeria’s larger refineries as production capacity expands and the petrochemical component becomes operational.

He therefore appealed to investors and strategic partners to support the project through collaboration, partnerships and other financing mechanisms.

The Commissioner disclosed that the refinery was expected to commence production within 18 months, describing the timeline as an important milestone in the state’s drive to attract investments and strengthen its industrial base.

He said the proposed petrochemical component would further enhance the project’s economic value by attracting other industries and creating an industrial cluster around the refinery.

The MB Refinery development, according to stakeholders, represents a significant opportunity for Delta State to leverage its oil-producing status, waterways, land resources and strategic location to deepen local refining and expand its participation in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum economy.